The State of Grandfamilies in America: 2014 shines a light on the challenges grandfamilies face and the incredible service they provide our country. According to the report, the number of youth in foster care who are raised by grandparents and other relatives increased from 23 percent a decade ago to 27 percent.

The report includes an infographic that shows 7.8 million children live in grandfamilies, where grandparents or other relatives are the householders. Nearly one-third of children in all grandfamilies do not have their parents living with them in the home. About 2.7 million grandparents are responsible for most of the basic needs of grandchildren living with them.

The report offers recommendation to help guide the development of supportive policies and services for grandfamilies. These include:

Making family care a priority

Empowering children, youth and caregivers to advocate for themselves

Preparing caregivers to meet the specific needs of children and youth in their care